BMX racing a confidence builder for kids
by Coleman Babb on May. 29, 2007, under Family, Local
Travis Fraunfelder, right, 18,and an unidentified rider race down the track during a practice run at Manzanita BMX Raceway.
With a loud clank of the metal starting gate, competitors race out – some with steeds reared – onto the dirt track, pounding furiously in an attempt to get out front.
These steeds are of steel, and they have no legs, only wheels.
Welcome to the world of BMX racing.
BMX, or bicycle motocross, dates back to the 1970s as an organized sport. Racers sprint over a wide dirt course, making steep jumps and sharp banking turns.
Tucson has two BMX courses, on the East and West sides.
With confidence as bold as his flaming red hair, 11-year-old Ethan Johnson is a five-year BMX veteran. “I like going fast and winning, but jumping is my favorite thing,” he said.
And jump they can. Just watching practice sessions is a blast. Competitors put on an impressive aerial display during practice runs.
Kirk Vaughn has operated Manzanita BMX Raceway with his wife, Julie, since 2000. He formerly ran a BMX track in Kansas City before his day job brought them to Tucson.
Manzanita, 5200 S. Westover Ave., had just closed. The American Bicycle Association, or ABA, the entity that organizes BMX racing, persuaded him to reopen it.
Since then, the sport has grown in popularity. Vaughn said that 50 to 60 riders show up every Wednesday and Saturday.
Craig and Jody Renard have been bringing their son, Brandon, 9, to the races since January.
“It’s a confidence builder . . . it’s fast and easy and over in 40 seconds,” said Jody Renard.
Craig appreciates that the activity isn’t time consuming. He said that an evening of racing is usually over in about an hour and “they do a really good job of making everything safe.”
Brandon’s take on BMX? “I like the cool trophies.”
Some might assume BMX is an activity for middle-school boys. Well, it is, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who enjoy it.
While Vaughn says competitors’ average age is 12 to 13, he added that the age range “starts at 4 and goes into the 40s.”
Boys aren’t the only ones having fun. Although BMX sounds like a testosterone-driven activity, girl racers are no less aggressive or agile than boys.
As with many sports involving speed, injuries do occur. Vaughn said collar bone fractures are the most common injuries, with broken arms also occurring. But he said it’s relatively safe, with organizers reporting four to six injuries per year.
Newcomers need not worry about being blown away by expert competition. Racing categories are determined by age and experience – novice, intermediate and expert.After racers notch up a certain number of wins,they can advance to the next level.
Vaughn said it costs about $350 to get started for those looking to buy a high-end bicycle. Some beginners bring a standard bicycle to start.
To compete, racers must purchase a $45 annual membership from the ABA. A free one-day membership is available to newbies wanting to give BMX a try.
Vaughn’s advice for beginners? “Bring your bike and try it out. We’ve got loaner helmets.”
Racers Daleny Vaughn, left, and Sapphire Rhoads, both 6, leave the gate during a practice run at the Manzanita BMX Raceway, 5200 South Westover Ave.
Taking a break between practice runs at Manzanita BMX Raceway are,from left, Travis Fraunfelder, 18, Charlie Spanyard, 16, and Frankie Carpio, 16.
Racer Dylon Vaughn, 13, repairs a flat tire.
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BMX RACING
● Manzanita BMX Raceway
5200 S. Westover Ave.
631-4256
Cost: $9, with up to four races per evening; practices are $5 on Saturdays, $2 on Wednesdays. Call for times.
● Desert Sunset BMX
9245 E. Irvington Road
444-7113
desertsunsetbmx.com
Cost: $10 for races on Fridays and Sundays; $5 for practices on Thursdays. Call for times.
Equipment requirements: Helmet, long-sleeved shirt and pants. No open toed shoes.
